Parliament begins debate on closure of bars, restaurants
The government has proposed that licensed premises close from next Monday, but the schedule for passing the bill is tight.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) and Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru (SDP) at the parliamentary debate on Tuesday.
Image: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva
Parliament has begun considering the government s proposal to close bars and restaurants from 8 to 28 March in regions in the spreading and community transmission phase of the epidemic.
The proposal is being heard as a matter of urgency, with the government aiming to bring the closure order into force by next Monday.
Finland's government on Tuesday ordered all bars and restaurants to close at 1 a.m. and to stop alcohol sales at midnight starting Oct. 8 to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
Vaccinations are expected to start rolling out as soon as this Sunday.
File photo of a vaccine being administered.
Image: Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva
Finland has laid out its initial coronavirus vaccine plans, with front-line ICU health care workers being the first to get the jab, then other healthcare personnel will be vaccinated.
The announcement was made at a joint press briefing held on Tuesday by representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) the University of Helsinki, as well as others.
Vaccincations will begin as soon as Sunday,
Kirsi Varhila, the permanent secretary of the social affairs and health ministry said, adding that the vaccine is suitable for everyone, including people who have severe asthma and the obese.